France (disambiguation) facts for kids

France is a word that can mean different things! Most often, it refers to a famous country in Europe. This country is known for its rich history, beautiful cities like Paris, delicious food, and amazing art. But "France" can also be the name of other things, like old ships, radio stations, or even people!

What Else is Called France?

Sometimes, the word "France" is used for things other than the country. Let's explore some of them!

Amazing Transport

The name "France" has been given to some cool ways to travel:

• The Airship La France

This was an early type of dirigible (a kind of balloon that can be steered). It was built way back in 1884 by two clever engineers, Arthur Constantin Krebs and Charles Renard. It was one of the first airships to fly in a circle and land where it started!

• Ocean Liners Called France

Several large passenger ships that crossed the ocean were named France. These were big, fancy ships that carried people across the Atlantic Ocean for many years.

• • The first SS France sailed in 1871.
  • Another SS France was launched in 1912.
  • A very famous SS France from 1961 was later renamed SS Norway. It was one of the longest passenger ships ever built!

• Anatole France Metro Station

In Paris, the capital city of France, there's a subway station called Anatole France (Paris Métro). It's part of the Paris Métro system, which helps millions of people travel around the city every day.

Radio and TV

The name "France" is also used for many French radio and television channels:

• Radio France

This is the main public radio company in France. It runs several popular radio stations, each with different types of programs:

• • France Bleu plays local news and music.
  • France Culture focuses on arts and ideas.
  • France Info gives you the latest news updates.
  • France Inter offers a mix of talk shows and music.
  • France Musique plays classical music and jazz.

• Radio France Internationale

This is another French public radio network that broadcasts news and programs to people all over the world, in many different languages.

• France Télévisions

This is the main public television company in France. It operates several TV channels that show everything from news and documentaries to movies and kids' shows:

• • France 2 is a general entertainment channel.
  • France 3 focuses on regional news and programs.
  • France 4 often shows youth programming and live events.
  • France 5 is known for its educational and documentary programs.

• France 24

This is a French news channel that broadcasts around the clock, giving news updates from France and around the world.

People Named France

Sometimes, "France" is a person's name!

• As a First Name

In French-speaking countries, "France" is sometimes used as a girl's first name.

• • France Gall was a famous French pop singer.
  • France Gélinas is a politician from Canada.

• As a Last Name

Less often, "France" can be a family name.

• • Anatole France was a famous French writer. He used "Anatole France" as his pen name (a special name he wrote under).
  • Cécile de France is a well-known actress from Belgium.